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OKE are running a number of free workshops related to sleep over the coming weeks. Parents or carers wanting to book onto the workshops will need to be registered with OKE and live in Tameside or Glossop.

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Tameside SEND Local Offer - Tameside SEND Local Offer

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OKE Sleep Workshops - Tameside SEND Local Offer

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Brains are complicated. Understatement. It’s pretty difficult to know how someone else’s works, and the way we think varies from person to person. We all have different strengths or struggles. These differences can be more noticeable or clear for neurodivergent people.

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Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

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Brains are complicated. Understatement. It’s pretty difficult to know how someone else’s works, and the way we think varies from person to person. Our…

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Neurodiversity is the idea that there’s natural variation in how people’s brains work. When we embrace neurodiversity, we accept and celebrate neurodivergent children. Embracing neurodiversity is good for neurodivergent children and good for society. There are many ways for families, communities and schools to embrace neurodiversity.

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Neurodiversity, neurodivergence and children

Neurodiversity is the idea that there's natural variation in how people's brains work and how people experience, understand and interact with the world. This means there are natural differences in the way people learn and communicate.

Most children's brains develop in ways that are seen as typical for their age and stage. These children can be described as neurotypical.

About 1 in 5-6 children have variations in their brain development. These variations include those seen in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and dyslexia. These children can be described as neurodivergent.

Embracing neurodiversity

Embracing neurodiversity is about accepting, including, celebrating and supporting neurodivergent children. Their differences are part of natural variation and don't need to be treated or changed.

Embracing neurodiversity involves:

acknowledging that neurodivergent children might do things differently from neurotypical children

adjusting tasks and activities so that neurodivergent children can fully participate

making the most of neurodivergent children's skills, especially the skills they're proud of

helping neurodivergent children develop ways of managing everyday tasks and activities that feel natural to them

not expecting neurodivergent children to change behaviour that doesn't interfere with their everyday activities, like stimming

making sure that schools, sports clubs, social groups and community organisations include and support neurodivergent children.

Neurodivergent children can be disabled by noise, light and other things in the environment. People's expectations can be disabling too. But it's not up to neurodivergent children to change. Rather, environments and expectations need to change to better include and embrace neurodivergent children's differences.

Why it's important to embrace neurodiversity

When families and communities embrace neurodiversity, it's good for neurodivergent children's mental health, wellbeing, sense of self and identity.

Embracing neurodiversity takes away the pressure for neurodivergent children to behave in neurotypical ways, hide behaviour like stimming, mask or hide who they are, or cope with sensory overstimulation. This kind of pressure can be physically and mentally exhausting. And it can make it hard for children to focus on schoolwork and take part in social activities.

Embracing neurodiversity is also good for society. Just like the planet needs a diversity of plants and animals to survive, society needs neurodiversity to thrive. Neurodivergent people bring many strengths to society. These include strengths in creative, innovative and analytical thinking and expertise in areas of special interest.

How to embrace neurodiversity in family life

You can embrace neurodiversity as part of everyday family life. You don't have to be neurodivergent yourself. Here are ideas:

Talk with your children about neurodiversity, neurodivergence and acceptance. For example, you could say, 'Some people's brains work differently from other people's. This means they learn and make friends differently too'.

Use books to learn and talk about neurodiversity and neurodivergence. For younger children, try Some brains by Nelly Thomas, The brain forest by Sandhya Menon or Just right for you by Melanie Heyworth. For older children, try The spectrum girl's survival toolkit by Siena Castellon or The autism and neurodiversity self advocacy handbook by Barb Cook and Yenn Purkis.

Find meaningful ways to include neurodivergent children in your social activities. For example, if you're inviting an autistic child to a birthday party, you could ask the parents how you can accommodate their child's needs. Or you could include some 'What to expect' information with the invitation.

Look for appropriate ways for your child to communicate with neurodivergent friends. For example, you could help your child use pictures and drawing to communicate with a friend who doesn't use words.

How to embrace neurodiversity in the community

Here are ideas for embracing neurodiversity in the community:

Be aware of the language you use. It's OK to ask if you're not sure. For example, 'Do you prefer 'autistic child' or 'child with autism'?'

Challenge unhelpful attitudes. For example, you could speak up if you hear someone criticising a parent whose child is having a meltdown in the park.

Avoid assumptions. For example, there could be many reasons why a child is eating only packaged snacks at a picnic or wearing headphones at the supermarket.

Look for ways to make your community more inclusive. For example, you could be part of a petition encouraging the local supermarket to opt into one 'quiet hour' a week, when lights are dimmed and no music is played.

Talk respectfully about neurodiversity and neurodivergence. You probably know people who are neurodivergent, even if they haven't told you.

Neurodivergent people and neurotypical people have different ways of experiencing the world and communicating about their experiences. To build understanding and prevent misunderstanding, you can try to see experiences from other people's perspectives. You can also try thinking about other people's communication preferences. It's OK to ask how people like to communicate too.

How schools can embrace neurodiversity

Schools can adjust things so that neurodivergent children can participate fully in learning and socialising at school. For example, you might notice that your child's school has made changes like these:

Changes to the environment for children with sensory sensitivities or high levels of anxiety - for example, perhaps the school uses quiet spaces, adjusts lighting, allows children to use sensory items like squishy balls in class, or allows variations to the uniform.

Use of diverse teaching methods to suit diverse learning styles or needs - for example, perhaps the school lets some children do video presentations instead of class presentations or participate in sports day by planning rather than competing. Perhaps teachers give both written and verbal instructions.

Support for all children to include neurodivergent children in interactions and play - for example, perhaps the school includes lessons on neurodiversity in citizenship lessons or has games clubs for all children interested in a game like chess.

When children understand more about how neurodivergent children communicate and play, it can encourage all children to interact respectfully and on equal terms. This helps to get rid of the expectation that neurodivergent children should change.

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Neurodiversity and neurodivergence: a guide for families

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Neurodiversity is the idea that there's natural variation in how brains work. Embracing neurodiversity is good for neurodivergent children and society too.

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NHS Guide to Neurodiversity and Wellbeing

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NHS Guide to Neurodiversity and Wellbeing

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Looking after your child or teenager's mental health is just as important as looking after their physical health. Their mood and behaviour can change and appear different at times. It can sometimes be hard to work out why or how to help them. This can be challenging for parents.

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Emotions, mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent children and young people

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Explore information about emotions, mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent children and young people. Learn about anxiety, masking and find local support.

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Our practitioners are made up of counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners, all of whom have an enhanced DBS check. Our counsellors all meet the requirements to be eligible for counselling accreditation, and some have achieved that accreditation as well.

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Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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balloon meditation for kids - Bing video

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Balloon Guided Meditation for Kids Balloon Belly Meditation Kids Relaxation Meditation for Kids Balloon Meditations for Kids Worry Balloon Balloon Relaxing for Kids Beginner Meditation for Kids Kids Meditation Balloon Ride Balloon Breathing for Kids Balloon Breath for Kids Guided Meditation for Kids Hot Air Balloon Sleep Meditation for Kids

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Free to use to offload and talk about your worries with someone to help you!

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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They offer tailored information, advice and support to parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person’s mental health. You can speak to us over the phone, or chat to us online.

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We support main carers of children and young people, as well as parents. You might be a kinship carer, legal guardian, foster carer, grandparent or sibling. If you are the child or young person's main carer, we want to support you. Our advisers are trained and experienced in supporting carers as well as parents.

If you are a family member or friend, but you are not the child or young person's main carer, see our online information for advice around how you can support them. You can also encourage their parent or main carer to contact us.

If you are a professional looking for information about supporting the young people you work with, see our resources for professionals.

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Parents Helpline | Mental Health Help for Your Child

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The YoungMinds Parents Helpline, Webchat and Email provide support and help for parents and carers worried about their child's mental health and wellbeing.

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On Qwell, you can speak to an experienced professional about anything that’s troubling you, while staying totally anonymous. There are no fees, no long waiting lists, and no judgement.

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Qwell is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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Explore the variety of activities we offer at The Anthony Seddon Centre. Our sessions are designed to provide support, foster connections, and promote mental wellbeing.

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Welcome to our Centre Activities page. Here you will find details of the sessions we offer at The Anthony Seddon Centre.

Our latest Activity Timetable can be downloaded below. The Activity Timetable is updated on a quarterly basis, so please keep an eye out for any changes.

You can sign up for our Activity Programme Mailing List to receive a new programme straight to your email when a new one is released.

Please Note:
**Our sessions are only open to those aged 18 and over.
**Some sessions may incur a small charge; this is to enable the continuation of these sessions.

Pre-booking of all activities (except drop-in) is recommended due to room capacities via Reception.

Craft Group

A chance to help create something using your craft skills. This may be card-making, designing and creating a mosaic, or making a papier-mache sculpture.

Reiki Group

Come and join Susan, our Reiki Master, for a relaxing session, ideal for those with mental health concerns. Reiki can help you relax and give you a sense of wellbeing utilising group Reiki.

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Centre Activities - The Anthony Seddon Fund

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The Anthony Seddon Centre Activities include Peer Support Groups, Bereavement groups and more. We also provide some therapuetic activities.

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Having a sleep issue is surprisingly common. At any given time up to 40% of adults and 50% of children (this rises to 80% with a SEND diagnosis) have difficulties with their sleep. The helpline is run by a team of specialist trained sleep advisors.

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Huge thanks to our corporate partner, Furniture Village, who has helped us to launch a brand new National Sleep Helpline to ensure that everyone has access to high quality, evidence-based advice regardless of age, ethnicity, background or income.
"We've always believed that sleep is equally as important as diet and exercise yet we know the UK is really struggling to sleep, particularly with the ongoing effects of the pandemic" says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village Commercial Director. "From my work as a doctor, I know how great the need for a National Sleep Helpline is. It will make a huge difference to so many people." Dr Ranj, Furniture Village Sleep and Wellness Advisor
Working together to improve the nation's sleep.

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National Sleep Helpline - The Sleep Charity

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Who do I talk to if I can't sleep? The National Sleep Helpline can help with your sleep problems, 7pm-9pm, Sunday to Thursday, 03303 530 541.

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Here is clinically approved information and resources to help with potty training and children's bowel and bladder conditions.

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Worried your child has an eating disorder? Here is some help & training you can use to support your child or loved one.

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Need information or support for an eating disorder? Find out about how to seek help including services that Beat offer.

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Support for your child if they are grieving loss and returning to school

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We help children, young people, parents, and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.

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Ways to help you and your family eat & move better!

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Make a change today! Discover healthy recipes, food swaps, nutritional advice, and top tips and activities to help the whole family stay healthy.

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Support and advice for parents, as we know parenting isn't easy!

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Childline is a hub for all things mental health & wellbeing for your child

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
balloon meditation for kids - Bing video

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Balloon Guided Meditation for Kids Balloon Belly Meditation Kids Relaxation Meditation for Kids Balloon Meditations for Kids Worry Balloon Balloon Relaxing for Kids Beginner Meditation for Kids Kids Meditation Balloon Ride Balloon Breathing for Kids Balloon Breath for Kids Guided Meditation for Kids Hot Air Balloon Sleep Meditation for Kids

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Advice and guidance for parents and carers to help them support a child or young person experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing.

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Advice and guidance for parents and carers to help them support a child or young person experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing.

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Place2Be - Confidence & Self-esteem boost for Children

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Place2Be - Confidence & Self-esteem boost for Children

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5 ways to boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem

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To mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week, one of our Regional Clinical Leads, Cecilia Corbetta, has shared her tips for parents on boosting children's confidence and self-esteem.
Every year, thousands of pupils book their own appointment to speak to Place2Be during lunch or breaktime (Place2Talk) and talk about things that are worrying them. One of the most common concerns is friendship problems.

We know that friendships are important to the children and young people we support, and that when friendships breakdown or children experience bullying, this can have a big impact on their wellbeing and self-esteem.

Watch the video above to hear Cecilia share her tips for boosting your child's confidence and self-esteem, or read the tips below.

Celebrate your child's strengths and differences

The world would be a pretty boring place if we were all the same. Help your child to recognise, and love, their own qualities and interests - this could be their hair colour, skin colour, religion, hobbies, sports they're good at... Notice and celebrate what makes them an individual and encourage them to see those positives and be a friend to themselves.

Have open conversations about feelings

Be a good role model and share your feelings openly with your child. This will show them that it's okay to talk about how they feel - whether they feel happy and excited, or worried and sad. If your child knows they can talk to you about anything they're feeling, they'll be more likely to come to you and ask for help if they're struggling.

Help your child to come up with their own ways to cope

As parents and carers, we often want to fix things for our children and do all we can to protect them from hurt or upset; but it's important we don't take over and we give our children a chance to deal with difficult situations on their own. Make it clear that you will step in if your help is needed (for example by talking to the school) or in circumstances where your child's safety is at risk, but empower your child to come up with their own ideas to cope with problems by asking them questions like 'how could you respond?', 'what do you think might help?'. If they can come up with their own coping strategies now, they'll be able to use them in future situations.

Let them experience their feelings fully

Every feeling is valid and it's so important we let our children feel all emotions. Try to avoid minimising their feelings ('I'm sure it's not that bad!') or rescuing by trying to instantly make them 'happy' or saying things like 'don't be sad'. Instead, talk to them about their sad feelings and tell them it's okay to be sad sometimes.

Make yourself available to listen

Sometimes your child may not want to talk, and it's important we don't force them to have a conversation they don't want to have. Make yourself available but don't pressure them to talk. You may find that your child opens up in situations where they feel less pressure - for example when you're in the car on the way home from school, or during the walk to school in the morning. Create rituals where you have a chance to regularly connect - for instance at mealtimes.

Worried your child is being bullied? Here are some resources we recommend:

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5 ways to boost your child's confidence and self-esteem - Place2Be

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To mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week, one of our Regional Clinical Leads, Cecilia Corbetta, has shared her tips for parents on boosting children's confidence and self-esteem. Every year, thousands of pupils book their own appointment to speak to Place2Be during lunch or breaktime (Place2Talk) and talk about things that are worrying them.

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Introducing Community Hive, Tameside’s Community Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Offer, providing a range of support, information, guidance, and training to young people age 8 - 18 years old, living in Tameside.

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Tameside, Oldham & Glossop Mind have teamed up with 42nd Street to bring your ideas of what mental health support should look like to life.

Introducing Community Hive, Tameside & Glossop's Community Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Offer, providing a range of support, information, guidance, and training to young people age 8 - 18 years old, living in Tameside and Glossop.

Delivered via local community bases located in Ashton, Stalybridge, and Hyde we offer a wide range of support including:

Click above for more information on these.

42nd Street is an innovative Greater Manchester young people's mental health charity with 40 years' experience of providing free and confidential services to young people who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Click on the logo for more info!

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Tameside, Oldham & Glossop Mind have teamed up with 42nd Street to bring your ideas of what mental health support should look like to life.

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A picture book about a curious young girl who, after losing a loved one, puts her heart in a bottle to protect it from further pain.

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The Heart & the Bottle (dealing with loss) | 📚Books Read Aloud

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The Invisible String (Attachment & Fear)

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The Invisible String (Attachment & Fear)

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A brother and sister are woken one night by a storm. They want their mum to come and stay with them in their room because they feel alone. To help ease their fears, she tells them about the invisible string that she learned about when she was a child.

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A young girl whose increasing anxieties manifest as a physical, enormous blue bag of worries that follows her everywhere. Frustrated, she eventually learns from an old lady that worries become smaller when brought into the open and discussed with trusted adults, and that different worries need different approaches.

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Virginia Ironside | The Huge Bag of Worries

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A rhyming children's book that follows a young narrator who experiences chest pain during stressful situations, like trying out for a school play or making friends at camp. Her mother helps her understand this pain as anxiety, and by learning to talk about her feelings and receiving support, the child finds her anxiety becomes more manageable.

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The Cosy Bookworm - Kids Books Brought To Life

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The Pain In My Chest by Áine Murray - Children's Mental Health Week

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The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes is a children's book that teaches a growth mindset, a determined girl who makes many mistakes but learns to view them as opportunities for improvement, and becomes a great athlete. The story encourages children to embrace mistakes, practice positive self-talk, and persist in their goal

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Children's Books Read Aloud - 💪😺Building Confidence & Self-Esteem

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Had a bad day? Work in education? Personal or professional stresses? Contact this site for free support!

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Managing difficult feelings or situations

Advice on boundary setting and self-care

Getting the best out of your work relationships

Planning for or processing difficult conversations

Any challenging personal matter

And we're also here if you simply need to vent!

Sue works in a pastoral role at a sixth form college. After a traumatic safeguarding incident took a big emotional toll, she called our helpline and spoke to one of our qualified counsellors. Sue said:

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Education Support helpline offers free, confidential support for teachers and education staff

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The Education Support helpline is available 24/7 for everyone working in education including teachers, support staff, lecturers, administrators and teaching assistants.

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Improving your mental health when you're at work can feel like a challenge. It's even harder if you work in a busy or stressful environment. But the 5 ways to wellbeing offer some simple steps which you can do every single day. Check them out below.

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Read our 5 Ways to Wellbeing to learn how you could boost your mental health at work. They’re developed by the New Economics Foundation, and rooted in research.

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Work for Victorious Trust? Access our SAS Wellbeing Support Package

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Work for Victorious Trust? Access our SAS Wellbeing Support Package

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Access a range of services for you:

Physiotherapy

Counselling

Nurse support

Mindfulness

GP Services

And much, much more!

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Contact Schools Advisory Service to Learn More About SAS Staff Absence Insurance and Whole School Wellbeing Services

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Don't forget to sign up if you work in schools, the NHS, police, social care or the armed forces!

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Blue Light Card | Discounts for NHS & Emergency Services

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Get access to exclusive discounts with the Blue Light Card. Available for NHS staff, emergency services, armed forces, teachers and more. Sign up today!